Salafism and politics: A Malaysian case

Maszlee Malik

Keywords:
Salafism, Malaysia, Ulama Muda, Salafi doctrine, UMNO

Abstract

Amongst the unanticipated phenomenon of the Arab Spring is the emergence of the “ppolitical Sal afis”” through the active participation of the Salafi groups in the politics of some countries affected by the uprisings.. However,, in Malaysia,, a group of Salafism preachers has preceded their brethren in Egypt.. Malaysian salafis joined the ruling nationali st party,, UMNO (UUnited Malays National Organisation)) , in 2009 . They justify their participation in UMNO by arguing that they are following the Salafi doctrine of “ttotal obedience to the rulers”” ( Ta’at Wulat al - Umur ),, “tthe prohibition of rebelling against t he rulers”” ( Tahrim al - Khuruj ‘aala al - Hukkam ) and the doctrine of “nnecessity renders prohibited things permissible”” ( al - Darurat tubihu al - mahzurat ).. Though t heir participation in politics is due to political expediency,, it has been benefi cial for both the S alafis and the regime.. This paper,, applying the historical and descriptive method,, examines those Salafists’’ theological arguments and motivations..